Yosemite Part I

Serena and I visited the iconic Yosemite Valley on Memorial Day and camped overnight at the Lower Pines campground. We enjoyed a spectacular hike of Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls and toured the sights of the valley. I also ran the 13 mile Yosemite Valley Loop Trail. This was Serena’s first visit to Yosemite Valley and she was amazed at the incredible scenery. I have been to the Valley several times but I am still amazed every time 🙂 See the complete photo album from the trip here and Part II of the trip.

Vernal FallsSerena on top of Nevada FallsHalf Dome, Mt Broderick, and Liberty Cap

More photos and trip details after the jump!We planned this trip only two days in advance when I found a campspot available at Lower Pines campground. These typically fill up months in advance so I was lucky to log in to the reservation system just as somebody cancelled their reservation. The drive to Yosemite Valley also worked out perfectly as all the holiday weekend travellers were going the opposite direction and we had no traffic in both directions.

Bridalveil FallsCascade below Bridalveil Falls

On the way into the valley we stopped at Bridalveil Falls. We then set up camp at Lower Pines and set out to see Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls. The water volume was still high from spring snowmelt and we got soaked by the mist from Vernal Falls. We then continued on to the top of Nevada Falls stopping to take many photographs and enjoying the scenery. On the way back we took the John Muir Trail to make it a loop. This trail is much less rocky and rough making for an easier descent. It also provides a spectacular panoramic view of Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, and Half Dome. We arrived back at camp at 7 pm and heated up some delicious chili Serena had cooked the night before. We were both tired so we fell asleep early.

Me on the bridge below Vernal FallsVernal FallsLooking back down the canyon from the top of Vernal FallsThe Silver Apron above Vernal FallsNevada FallsNevada FallsSerena stands on the edge of Nevada FallsLiberty CapNevada Falls from the John Muir TrailAwesome!